While there are many ways to prepare, one of the best is by taking the Preliminary SAT, or PSAT. This test will determine how well equipped you are to take the SAT, and is a predictor of future SAT performance.

In the eyes of the average high school junior, a typical Saturday morning consists of sleeping in, watching TV or hanging out with friends. In October, however, such leisurely habits will be altered. High school juniors (and some sophomores) from all around the country will be up bright and early, ready to participate in a test that can be pivotal to their educational careers.

The PSAT assessment is designed to help students better prepare for the SAT. Not only does the PSAT offer a chance for students to become familiar with the test format, it also allows students to practice their test-taking skills. In the end, reviewing PSAT scores provides insights into strengths and weaknesses, and help students understand which areas to focus on for possible score improvement before taking the actual SAT.

Many colleges require students to take either the SAT or the ACT as part of the college application process. Additionally, many scholarship programs, especially those based on academic merit, will take SAT and/or ACT scores into account when selecting scholarship winners.